Mango mealy bug (Drosicha mangiferae) is one of the major pests of mango. Eggs: The eggs are laid in soil around the tree trunk. There is great variation in the time of hatching of eggs (December to January) in different states due to variation in soil conditions. Nymphs: Just after hatching, the minute newly hatched pink to brown coloured nymphs crawl up the tree. Symptoms of damage: Nymphs and adult females suck the sap from tender leaves, shoots and inflorescence. Excess removal of sap by the insect from infested parts leads to wilting and thereby affects fruit setting. The insect also secretes honeydew over which sooty mould develops as a result of which leaves and inflorescence become shiny black and sticky. How to manage mealy bugs ? Eco-friendly approach: Mango mealy bugs could be managed by banding of tree trunks with polythene sheet (400 gauge, 30 cm wide) at a height of about 30 cm from the ground level and grease should be applied at the lower edge of the band. This will prevent pink to brown coloured nymphs crawling up the tree. Chemical approach : To control this spray chlorpyrifos 20 EC @ 2.5 ml/lt of water. Source: Central institute for subtropical horticulture If you find this information useful, like it and share it with your friends.